| letters are a dynamic way to introduce yourself to | | | | which you're applying. If you're applying for a job at a |
| potential employers. Even before they look at your | | | | college, for example, check out their website to see if |
| resume, you can give them a positive impression with | | | | they've won any awards or if they have any notable |
| a vibrant cover letter. Below you will find several tips to | | | | programs. The hirers will be encouraged to give you a |
| make your cover letter shine. | | | | chance if your cover letter says something like, "I am |
| 1) Introduce the Best Candidate: You! | | | | impressed that your school has won the Huntley |
| A cover letter answers the question: "Why are you | | | | Academic Award, and I would be honored to join such |
| the right person for this job?" Before you write one | | | | an illustrious team." |
| word of your cover letter, imagine yourself as the best | | | | 3) Advice on Formatting |
| candidate for the opening. This will put you in the right | | | | To improve the readability of your cover letter, limit it to |
| frame of mind when choosing the words you want to | | | | one page only, including your contact information at the |
| represent you. | | | | top of the page. Make your cover letter very short, |
| If you are punctual, hard-working, self-motivated, or | | | | with concise paragraphs and plenty of white space |
| have any other qualities your employer will want in his | | | | left over. You don't need to list every detail about |
| or her staff, the cover letter is the place to talk about | | | | yourself; just pick a few things that really stand out |
| it. Don't be afraid to really sell yourself; a good cover | | | | and showcase them only. |
| letter distinguishes your application from the many | | | | The font you use should be in a readable size |
| others the company receives. | | | | (between 10 and 12 points), and should exactly match |
| A cover letter does not answer the question: "What | | | | the font you choose for your resume. Use the same |
| experience do I have?" Your resume does that. | | | | type of paper for both documents, as well. Your cover |
| Instead of regurgitating your job history, use your | | | | letter and resume will look most professional if you |
| cover letter to talk about what you will bring to the | | | | present them as a matching set. |
| company if you are the successful candidate. | | | | Do not use multiple or complicated fonts, and avoid |
| 2) Do Your Homework | | | | using colored paper or ink. A clean black typeface on |
| Not every employer is looking for the same set of | | | | stark white paper looks crisp, professional, and |
| skills. Therefore, one cover letter will not work for | | | | desirable to read. |
| every application. To really "wow" your readers, treat | | | | Remember, the physical look of your cover letter is |
| every job opening as unique. Learn about the position | | | | just as important as its content; each element |
| you want and tailor your cover letter accordingly. | | | | reinforces the other, so take the time to make your |
| To really grab the attention of your reader, include | | | | cover letter look and sound just right. It might mean |
| evidence that you know a bit about the company for | | | | landing your dream job! |